Posted by WineyFoodie

Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, 2009

This is a wonderful full bodied Sauvignon Blanc.  You’ll find aromas of flowers and citrus directly out of the bottle.  However, let this one sit for a few minutes and you start to pick up aromas of ripe pear, melon, green apple and a hint of vanilla.  We chilled this wine a little too much before drinking which really causes the citrus flavors to be somewhat overbearing on what beauty is lurking inside.  Serve only slightly chilled and you’ll experience the flavors of pear and apple perfectly blended with just the right amount of citrus.  The finish begins with lemons and ends with a hint of vanilla cream.

GET IT if you know what’s good for you.

Kistler Sonoma Mountan Chardonnay, 2009

This Chardonnay is nothing short of Fabulous.  From beginning to end is 100% pure joy.  The nose begins citrusy then quickly reveals notes of vanilla and butter.  The flavor is rich, complex and perfectly balanced.  This was one of our first introductions to an unfiltered commercial white wine and I must say it is truly delicious!   Kistler Chardonnay has a wonderful mouth feel, great balance of fruit, vanilla, oak, and just a hint of butterscotch on the finish.

Smaller production and high demand get makes this wine a little higher priced (and sometimes hard to get).  At $80-$110 you might need to make everyday a “special occasion.”

GET IT!!

Pepperwood Grove Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009 BIG GREEN BOX

I saw this box of wine at a local store and was intrigued.  I am not particularly a fan of boxed wine.  I prefer to open a bottle of wine the old fashioned way – with a corkscrew.  That being said – the price was about $20 for approximately 4 bottles of wine (as advertised).

This wine is surprisingly drinkable.  Very fruit forward and a bit light bodied for a cab.  It has a smooth clean finish as there is not much in the way of tannins.

Overall it is easy drinking a good starter red for someone looking to “get into” cabs.  I tasted it every night for a week.  I noticed that after about 5 days it was starting to taste a bit off.  In my opinion this wine does not keep for the 2-3 weeks advertised on many boxed wines.

GET IT for parties and barbeques.  Not good for long term drinking/storage after opening.

Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007

Full of aromas and flavors of red berries. This wine has a brilliant texture and long lingering finish with hints of chocolate and spice. Very smooth with the perfect amount of tannins this is a Cabernet lovers dream wine.

Verdict: Get it! The cost is prohibitive for most to be a “daily” wine but you’ll find yourself making up a special occasion just to drink it!

Cost: $50 retail